Cowboys report: Inside slant
Source: The Sports Xchange
If there is one hurdle that could derail the Cowboys' seemingly unstoppable train to Super Bowl glory -- at least that is the preseason hype -- it's the lack of a proven playmaker at receiver opposite Terrell Owens.
For all the Super Bowl talk in Dallas, an inability for the team to acquire another veteran receiver in the offseason is the big elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about.
The problem became even more acute this week when the team released veteran receiver Terry Glenn after months of haggling over an injury waiver.
Glenn missed 15 games last season after having two surgeries on his right knee. He hoped to make a return in 2008, and the Cowboys wanted him back as an option at receiver -- especially since they couldn't trade for one in the offseason. The team was rebuffed in attempts to acquire Cincinnati's Chad Johnson, Detroit's Roy Williams and Arizona's Anquan Boldin.
But as much as the Cowboys wanted to give Glenn another try, they weren't confident that he would have no more knee problems. Team doctors said Glenn needed microfracture surgery to fully repair the knee. He didn't have it because it would have meant the end of his career and his doctors said he was healthy enough to play.
Just the same, the Cowboys wanted Glenn to sign an injury settlement in case he reinjured his knee, taking them off the hook for his $1.74 million salary. He would get $500,000 if went down with a right knee injury.
Glenn balked at the offer and the Cowboys barred him from minicamps and OTAs.
The Cowboys released Glenn before training camp because they felt he was out of shape and didn't want to retard the progress of the young receivers.
Yet the problem still remains. While Owens remains one of the top receivers in the game, he will be 35 in December. He also has missed games in five of the last six seasons. So he will likely miss a game or two this year.
The Cowboys found out during their late-season fold in 2007 that this offense not nearly as potent or as explosive with Owens out of the offense or less than 100 percent.
It's the main reason why owner Jerry Jones tried diligently in the offseason to acquire another big-time receiver.
Owens understands there is pressure on him not only to produce in a big way but to remain healthy.
The big question is can he?
A Super Bowl run is depending on it.
CAMP CALENDAR
Camp ends Aug. 12. The team then travels to Denver for two days of practices with the Broncos before a preseason game on Aug. 16.
If there is one hurdle that could derail the Cowboys' seemingly unstoppable train to Super Bowl glory -- at least that is the preseason hype -- it's the lack of a proven playmaker at receiver opposite Terrell Owens.
For all the Super Bowl talk in Dallas, an inability for the team to acquire another veteran receiver in the offseason is the big elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about.
The problem became even more acute this week when the team released veteran receiver Terry Glenn after months of haggling over an injury waiver.
Glenn missed 15 games last season after having two surgeries on his right knee. He hoped to make a return in 2008, and the Cowboys wanted him back as an option at receiver -- especially since they couldn't trade for one in the offseason. The team was rebuffed in attempts to acquire Cincinnati's Chad Johnson, Detroit's Roy Williams and Arizona's Anquan Boldin.
But as much as the Cowboys wanted to give Glenn another try, they weren't confident that he would have no more knee problems. Team doctors said Glenn needed microfracture surgery to fully repair the knee. He didn't have it because it would have meant the end of his career and his doctors said he was healthy enough to play.
Just the same, the Cowboys wanted Glenn to sign an injury settlement in case he reinjured his knee, taking them off the hook for his $1.74 million salary. He would get $500,000 if went down with a right knee injury.
Glenn balked at the offer and the Cowboys barred him from minicamps and OTAs.
The Cowboys released Glenn before training camp because they felt he was out of shape and didn't want to retard the progress of the young receivers.
Yet the problem still remains. While Owens remains one of the top receivers in the game, he will be 35 in December. He also has missed games in five of the last six seasons. So he will likely miss a game or two this year.
The Cowboys found out during their late-season fold in 2007 that this offense not nearly as potent or as explosive with Owens out of the offense or less than 100 percent.
It's the main reason why owner Jerry Jones tried diligently in the offseason to acquire another big-time receiver.
Owens understands there is pressure on him not only to produce in a big way but to remain healthy.
The big question is can he?
A Super Bowl run is depending on it.
CAMP CALENDAR
Camp ends Aug. 12. The team then travels to Denver for two days of practices with the Broncos before a preseason game on Aug. 16.
posted by The Gryphon at 5:30 PM
<< Home